Department of Commerce: Bloghttps://www.commerce.gov/feeds/blog/category/212
The most recent 20 items in this list.enThe Department of Commerce Celebrates National Cyber Security Awareness Month https://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/10/department-commerce-celebrates-national-cyber-security-awareness-month
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/cybersecurityawareness.jpg?itok=UbWKlBck" width="200" height="200" alt="Graphic for National Cyber Security Awareness Month" title="Graphic for National Cyber Security Awareness Month" /></span>
<p><em>October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month and the Department of Commerce – in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security’s </em><a href="http://www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect"><em>Stop.Think.Connect.™ Campaign</em></a><em> – is highlighting the importance of cybersecurity and online safety.</em></p>
<p>This October, the Department of Commerce is proud to participate as a partner in National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), an effort from coast to coast to make cyberspace safer for everyone. NCSAM is an occasion to educate and engage Americans on cybersecurity issues through events, communications and outreach activities across the country.</p>
<p>The internet now touches every aspect of our daily lives. By spending more time online, we are also exposing ourselves to cyberthreats and the vulnerabilities present in technology and the internet.</p>
<p>While we enjoy the conveniences in our digital lives, these benefits come with great risks. Cybercrime is on the rise – including identity and intellectual property theft, scams, frauds, network intrusions and financial crimes – and it is essential that all Americans know how to protect themselves and their workplaces while online.</p>
<p>Even small actions can make a huge difference in defending from cyber threats. Here are some simple tips everyone can follow to keep themselves, their identities and their information safe online:</p>
<ul>
<li>Set strong passwords that are <strong>long but simple and memorable</strong>. Don’t share them with anyone.</li>
<li>Use <strong>two-factor authentication</strong> when possible. After logging into a system with a username and password, many systems have an option to further confirm your identity with a code sent to your mobile device or email account.</li>
<li>Treat your <strong>personal information </strong>(birthday, address, phone number, etc.) like money – value it and be cautious about how apps and websites collect it from you.</li>
<li>Regularly <strong>update the software</strong> on your internet-connected devices – including PCs, smartphones, and tablets – to reduce the risk of infection from malware.</li>
<li>Control and limit who can see your information online by checking the <strong>privacy and security settings</strong> on your accounts, devices and apps.</li>
<li>Be <strong>cautious</strong> about what you receive or read online – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.</li>
<li>Talk with your family, friends and community about the importance of internet safety.</li>
</ul>
<p>Cyberspace promises tremendous opportunities for our country and we each play a part in keeping it safe – even small actions can make a huge difference in keeping the internet safe. Together we can meet the cybersecurity challenges of the future.</p>
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<p><em>You can </em><em>learn more about National Cyber Security Awareness Month and how you can be safe online at </em><a href="https://www.dhs.gov/ncsam"><em>https://www.dhs.gov/ncsam</em></a><em>.</em><em> </em><em>To receive cybersecurity tips year round, visit </em><a href="http://www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect"><em>www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect</em></a><em> and sign up to get email updates from the </em><a href="http://www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect"><em>Stop.Think.Connect.</em></a><em> Campaign.</em></p>
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Fri, 13 Oct 2017 14:29:47 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/10/department-commerce-celebrates-national-cyber-security-awareness-monthSpotlight on Commerce: Mara Campbell, U.S. Economic and Development Administration (EDA)https://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/10/spotlight-commerce-mara-campbell-us-economic-and-development-administration-eda
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/maracampbell.jpg?itok=fJrfY6_M" width="200" height="200" alt="Mara Campbell, U.S. Economic and Development Administration (EDA)" title="Mara Campbell, U.S. Economic and Development Administration (EDA)" /></span>
<p><strong>Ed. note: This post is part of the Spotlight on Commerce series highlighting the contributions of Department of Commerce employees during Hispanic Heritage Month.</strong></p>
<p><em>Guest blog post by Mara Campbell, U.S. Economic and Development Administration (EDA)</em></p>
<p>As an attorney at the U.S. Economic Development Administration, I get to have a direct and positive impact on communities throughout the United States. By making strategic investments to support innovation, entrepreneurs, new infrastructure and workforce training programs, EDA helps strengthen local economies across America every day.</p>
<p>I was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador, to an Ecuadorian father and an American mother. When I was ten, our family moved permanently to Anchorage, Alaska, where I became one of the estimated 54 million Hispanics living in the United States. Like so many families that immigrate to the United States, my parents wanted to give me and my siblings every opportunity that this country affords.</p>
<p>Making such a dramatic move was hard. Leaving the familiar is tough, and the winters in Alaska are no joke. But even though we moved thousands of miles away, my parents made sure we didn’t forget who we were or where we came from.</p>
<p>Throughout my childhood and teenage years, my siblings and I were privileged to spend our summers in Ecuador in order nurture our relationships with our relatives and maintain our Spanish fluency. These trips were also a regular reminder of the cultural, social, and political differences that existed between my two “home” countries.</p>
<p>I never lost my connection to Ecuador or my Hispanic heritage. I graduated from Bard college with a degree in political science with a focus on Latin American and Iberian studies. My degree gave me insight into the political and institutional challenges that some populations face, such as extreme poverty, which ultimately served as a catalyst for my career in law.</p>
<p>With that frame in mind, after graduating from American University, Washington College of Law, I started my legal career at the Inter-American Foundation (IAF), a federal foreign assistance agency that supports development projects in 21 countries in Latin America. At IAF, I had the opportunity to travel to many of the countries I had studied during my undergraduate years, and it was a privilege to be able to give back to communities just like the one I had come from in Ecuador. Now, as an attorney at EDA, I get to serve my other “home” and communities throughout the United States. EDA helps economically distressed communities, many with large Hispanic populations, to generate economic opportunities – the very thing that drew my family to this country.</p>
<p>National Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity for me and the roughly 54 million Hispanic Americans to embrace our dual cultural identities. I am grateful for my heritage and to live in such a diverse country. Celebrating that diversity is part of what makes America great.</p>
Fri, 13 Oct 2017 12:55:01 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/10/spotlight-commerce-mara-campbell-us-economic-and-development-administration-edaForeign Direct Investment Strengthens America’s High-Tech Competitivenesshttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/10/foreign-direct-investment-strengthens-americas-high-tech-competitiveness
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/susa1.png?itok=s_iVVHQf" width="200" height="200" alt="High-Tech Industry Employment Concentration, High-Tech Employment/All Employment, by Metro Area, 2015. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2015 County Business Patterns." title="High-Tech Industry Employment Concentration, High-Tech Employment/All Employment, by Metro Area, 2015. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2015 County Business Patterns." /></span>
<p><em>By Maureen Book, Research Analyst, SelectUSA</em></p>
<p>SelectUSA recently released its second industry-focused report: <a href="https://www.selectusa.gov/servlet/servlet.FileDownload?file=015t0000000U1eE" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">“High-Tech Industries: The Role of FDI in Driving Innovation and Growth.”</a></p>
<p>This report provides an in-depth look at high-tech clusters in the United States and gives the first-ever analysis of the role of foreign direct investment (FDI) in high-tech industries. The report’s biggest takeaway is that FDI plays a <em>significant</em> role in these industries.</p>
<p><strong>Where Are High-Tech Clusters?</strong></p>
<p>High-tech industries are defined as employing more than twice the concentration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workers compared to the national average. After analyzing the U.S. high-tech industry and considering participation of both foreign and domestic firms, SelectUSA explored the geography of high-tech companies in the United States by state, to identify large groups, or clusters, of employment. The top employers of high-tech workers were California, Texas and New York, while the District of Columbia, Virginia and Washington boast the highest employment per capita of high-tech jobs.</p>
<p><strong>High-Tech Clusters by Metro Area</strong></p>
<p>Looking at metro areas with the highest concentration of high-tech employment, SelectUSA found that San Jose, Calif., tops the list with more than 34 percent of local employment in high-tech industries. It was followed closely by Elkhart, Ind., with nearly 33 percent, and Huntsville, Ala., with over 31 percent.</p>
<p>While the concentration in San Jose might not be surprising because it is the largest city in the Silicon Valley, Elkhart and Huntsville both have industry concentrations nearby to make them important locations for high-tech companies. Elkhart’s economy is heavily concentrated in the transportation equipment manufacturing industry and centers around recreational and commercial vehicle manufacturing. While Huntsville is home to many military technology firms and aerospace and defense contractors.</p>
<p><strong>The Role of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)</strong></p>
<p>Using our definition of high-tech industries and data published by the <a href="https://www.bea.gov/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Bureau of Economic Analysis</a>, SelectUSA looked at the role that FDI plays in high-tech industries. FDI generally involves not only monetary investment, but the management of a company by a foreign enterprise. To be considered FDI, the investment must usually be linked with the real output of the country in which it operates.</p>
<p>Our data found that FDI stock in high-tech industries reached over <strong>$1.6 trillion</strong> in 2016 and supported <strong>2.1 million jobs</strong> in the United States. In fact, the high-tech component of FDI is quite robust – nearly 44 percent of all FDI in the United States is invested in high-tech industries.</p>
<p><strong>Compensation, R&amp;D, Exports and Value-Added Activities</strong></p>
<p>Beyond employment, FDI in high-tech sectors has other significant contributions to the U.S. economy.</p>
<p>The U.S. affiliates of foreign-owned firms typically offer higher wages compared to domestic firms. In addition, companies engaged in FDI in high-tech industries offer higher average pay compared to FDI companies in other industries – more than <strong>$101,000</strong> per worker.</p>
<p>U.S. affiliates of foreign-owned firms in the high-tech sector also spend nearly <strong>$42 billion</strong> on research and development (R&amp;D). In 2015, they also contributed <strong>$154 billion</strong> towards U.S. goods exports and more than <strong>$373</strong> billion towards value-added activities.</p>
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<p><strong>Source Markets Supporting High-Tech</strong></p>
<p>We also find that Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Japan are among the largest source markets for R&amp;D spending, exports and value-added activities in high-tech industries. Beyond that, they are also the US’s traditional trading partners. Collaborating with them on FDI reinforces our trade relationships and strengthens the US’s bilateral ties with these partners.</p>
<p><strong>For more information</strong></p>
<p>Please visit <a href="https://www.selectusa.gov/FDI-global-market" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">SelectUSA.gov</a> to view the <a href="https://www.selectusa.gov/servlet/servlet.FileDownload?file=015t0000000U1eE" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">full report</a>, other industry reports, international and domestic FDI fact sheets and SelectUSA’s data visualization tool, <a href="https://www.selectusa.gov/selectusa-stats" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">SelectUSA Stats</a>.</p>
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Thu, 12 Oct 2017 14:11:06 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/10/foreign-direct-investment-strengthens-americas-high-tech-competitivenessSpotlight on Commerce: Juan Lara, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs, U.S. Census Bureauhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/10/spotlight-commerce-juan-lara-office-congressional-and-intergovernmental-affairs-us
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/juan_lara.png?itok=l_TKy74p" width="200" height="200" alt="Juan Lara, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs, U.S. Census Bureau" title="Juan Lara, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs, U.S. Census Bureau" /></span>
<p><strong>Ed. note: This post is part of the Spotlight on Commerce series highlighting the contributions of Department of Commerce employees during Hispanic Heritage Month.</strong></p>
<p><em>Guest blog post by Juan Lara, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs, <a href="https://www.census.gov/">U.S. Census Bureau</a></em></p>
<p>Hispanic Heritage Month provides an opportunity to highlight the many cultures that are part of the fabric of our great nation. It also is a great time to recognize the achievements and contributions of many talented individuals. As America’s population continues to grow, working at the U.S. Census Bureau is a great place to observe the changes taking place in our society. Every day, I feel fortunate to work with a wonderful cadre of dedicated professionals.</p>
<p>As part of the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs at the U.S. Census Bureau, I work to connect our agency with local government organizations in order to increase awareness and participation in the Decennial Census and other programs. I work on activities related to the 2020 Census Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) and the Center for Administrative Records Research and Applications (CARRA). I am in daily contact with local leaders across the country who are working to ensure an accurate population count of our nation's population. Census statistics guide the allocation of more than $675 billion in funds annually for infrastructure, programs and services to communities across America. In addition to working with state governments, I arrange periodic briefings for Congress on the Census Bureau's reports on America's veterans.</p>
<p>I was born in a small town in Texas and raised by a family with a “can do” attitude, which over the years has served me well. Our town was about helping friends and neighbors and during my life, I have strived to be of service. Following high school, I attended Marion Military Institute (MMI) in Alabama where I was commissioned as a military officer. After MMI, I joined my mechanized infantry unit in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.</p>
<p>After going to school in Alabama and Texas, I headed north to law school. Getting a law degree from Capital University Law School opened even more doors and allowed me to further my career including assisting the under-served populations at the state and national level and gave me the incredible opportunity to run a state agency and work with people from all walks of life.</p>
<p>Over the years I have been employed by: the U.S. military, a state government agency, for-profit and non-profit organizations, a congressional committee, and a federal agency. I have had many mentors and received advice from many talented individuals. The advice of one person, which still resonates with me today, came from a former military commander who said, “there is a time and place for everything.” Over the years, I've come to realize there is a time and place to celebrate, to study, and work and do the many worthwhile things. Finding an optimal balance between professional and personal pursuits is challenging but it can be done. </p>
Thu, 12 Oct 2017 10:54:53 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/10/spotlight-commerce-juan-lara-office-congressional-and-intergovernmental-affairs-usSpotlight on Commerce: Juan Valentin, Education Program Advisor, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)https://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/10/spotlight-commerce-juan-valentin-education-program-advisor-us-patent-and-trademark
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/juan_valentin_at_engineering_week_smaller_size.jpg?itok=jWGBWgy5" width="200" height="200" alt="Juan Valentin (center) works with high school students during the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office&#039;s 2017 Engineering Week. " title="Juan Valentin (center) works with high school students during the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office&#039;s 2017 Engineering Week. " /></span>
<p><strong>Ed. note: This post is part of the Spotlight on Commerce series highlighting the contributions of Department of Commerce employees during Hispanic Heritage Month.</strong></p>
<p><em>Guest blog post by Juan Valentin, Education Program Advisor, <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/">U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)</a></em></p>
<p>If you had told me ten years ago that in October of 2017 I would be traveling across the United States educating children and adults alike on how important intellectual property (IP) protection is for the development of our youth and nation, I would have laughed you out of the room.</p>
<p>Growing up as one of the only Hispanics in a small, Upstate New York community, one thing that was always important in my life was my Puerto Rican ancestry. The music, food, culture and the family life-force was sewn into my soul at an early age. </p>
<p>I started my career at USPTO as a patent examiner, putting my engineering degree from Clarkson University to use, examining patent applications in the field of optical measuring and testing devices. Two key events in my life were the catalysts that set me on my current career path. The first took place about five years into my USPTO career when a friend invited me to Langdon Elementary School in Washington, D.C., to make slime with third graders. This was for a program called RESET, that takes volunteers and matches them with local elementary schools to do hands-on science and engineering activities with the students. My life was changed that day. I was hooked, first as a volunteer, then as an activity lead, then as a team lead who developed new activities and was responsible for finding new volunteers. </p>
<p>My mother had a huge impact on this change of direction. Some of my first memories are of her giving spirit, of the sacrifices she made for not only me but for those in need around her. My mother not only worked in public service, she volunteered and as a single parent always had me at her side, helping with activities. For me, seeing the excitement, smiles, and appreciation on the students’ faces after doing educational activities brought back childhood memories of giving back to my community and it showed me there’s a need for this type of service in underrepresented communities. It reminded me of the potential my mom saw in other people and her willingness to help. </p>
<p>The second event came in 2009 when I co-founded the first ever U.S. federal government chapter for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) at the USPTO. Members of SHPE are a family. We take pride in helping new employees transition to the agency, while creating a community of learning here at the USPTO. As the SHPE President for past two years, I have really seen the impact of the organization over the last eight years, helping mentor and support Hispanic employees in their growth as leaders at the USPTO, while also giving back to the community. We’ve recently been focusing on ways to help the areas ravaged by the hurricanes, and have organized a donation drive for supplies to be sent to Puerto Rico. This year’s theme for Hispanic Heritage Month is “Shaping the Bright Future of America,” which is very fitting for the tremendous work I’ve been blessed to be a part of through SHPE.</p>
<p>In 2011, I applied for and was accepted to a detail to work on K-12 IP educational initiatives at the USPTO’s Office of Education and Outreach (OEO), for eight months. That eight months went by so fast I remember thinking, “Wouldn’t it be amazing if I could do this full time?” As my detail came to an end, a full-time vacancy was announced for an education specialist. I was determined to apply for the position and was hopeful that through my experiences I would be given the opportunity to help expand innovation, invention, and IP outreach at the USPTO. Life doesn’t always go as planned and I didn’t get the position, but I knew that showing students how to be innovative problem solvers and critical thinkers was my future; now I just needed to make it a reality. I was determined to build up my resume so I would be ready when the next opportunity opened up. My patience was well worth it -- three years later another position became available and I was selected.</p>
<p>I still pinch myself from time to time when the fast pace of my life slows down just enough for a moment of self-reflection on the past three years. Not everyone is lucky enough to say they have their dream job. As an education program advisor at the USPTO, I can proudly say without a doubt, I have found my dream job, or rather it has found me! My career advice to others is not to get discouraged by setbacks, but to be determined and pursue what you love to do.</p>
Wed, 11 Oct 2017 10:11:32 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/10/spotlight-commerce-juan-valentin-education-program-advisor-us-patent-and-trademark Beyond the Products: A Look at the Workers and their Occupations in the Manufacturing Industryhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/10/beyond-products-look-workers-and-their-occupations-manufacturing-industry
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/manufacturingday.jpg?itok=gBC-CVAF" width="200" height="200" alt="U.S. Census Bureau Graphic on Social, Demographic Characteristics of Workers in the Manufacturing Industry." title="U.S. Census Bureau Graphic on Social, Demographic Characteristics of Workers in the Manufacturing Industry." /></span>
<p><em>The following is a <a href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/blogs/random-samplings/2017/10/beyond-products.html">cross-post</a> from the U.S. Census Bureau.</em></p>
<p>On Manufacturing Day, we celebrate the wide range of skills and occupations of workers in the manufacturing industry.</p>
<p>According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one in 10, or 15.4 million, U.S. workers in the civilian workforce had jobs in the manufacturing industry in 2016, making everything from cars to food. What do we know about people who work in manufacturing? What specific occupations do manufacturing workers hold? Using the American Community Survey, we can paint a statistical picture of manufacturing workers to gain a deeper understanding of the people who work in the manufacturing industry.</p>
<p>Compared with all workers, people who work in the manufacturing industry were older, had less education, were mostly men, were more likely to work full-time, year-round, and earned more on average.</p>
<p>Manufacturing industry employees work in hundreds of occupations, which can be organized into five broad groups. Almost half of workers were in production, transportation, and material moving occupations (49.2 percent) while management, business, science, and arts occupations comprised 30.0 percent. Other jobs within the manufacturing industry include sales and office occupations; natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations; and service occupations.</p>
<p>So let’s look at more specific types of jobs found within the manufacturing industry.</p>
<p>Within the broader category of production, transportation, and material moving occupations, some conventional occupations are miscellaneous assemblers and fabricators; laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand; inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers; and metal workers and plastic workers, all other (Figure 3). In these occupations, according to the Standard Occupation Classification Manual, workers use their hands and operate machinery to move, transport, create or test a product. Welding, soldering and brazing workers operate machines; or by hand, they weld, braze or treat heating metal products. Machinists set up and operate machine tools that produce precision parts and instruments, and repair and modify mechanical instruments. Miscellaneous assemblers and fabricators and production workers, all other, work by hand or operate machines to create a large variety of products. Finally, 721,000 first-line supervisors of production and operation workers directly oversee and coordinate activities of personnel including machine setters and operators, assemblers, fabricators and system operators.</p>
<p>Engineers play an important role in the manufacturing industry (Figure 3). Mechanical engineers plan and design engines and machines. Industrial engineers, including health and safety specialists, design, develop and test systems to manage the industrial production process including quality control, human work factors and production coordination. In addition to engineers, approximately 170,000 technicians work in several fields of engineering under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.</p>
<p>Management jobs in the manufacturing industry are common (Figure 3). Marketing and sales managers plan, coordinate and direct marketing programs such as assessing the demand for a product or the distribution of a service or product to the customer. Industrial production managers plan, direct or coordinate resources and work activities needed for manufacturing, taking into account cost, quality and quantity specifications. Finally, around 162,000 chief executives in the manufacturing industry provide overall direction of companies, coordinating operational activities at the top level.</p>
Fri, 06 Oct 2017 11:08:37 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/10/beyond-products-look-workers-and-their-occupations-manufacturing-industrySpotlight on Commerce: Sabrina Montes, Lead Economist, Economics and Statistics Administrationhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/10/spotlight-commerce-sabrina-montes-lead-economist-economics-and-statistics
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/sabrina_montes_image_1.jpg?itok=fZAv7ePA" width="200" height="200" alt="Sabrina Montes, Lead Economist, Economics and Statistics Administration" title="Sabrina Montes, Lead Economist, Economics and Statistics Administration" /></span>
<p><strong>Ed. note: This post is part of the Spotlight on Commerce series highlighting the contributions of Department of Commerce employees during Hispanic Heritage Month.</strong></p>
<p><em>Guest blog post by Sabrina Montes, Lead Economist, <a href="https://esa.gov/">Economics and Statistics Administration</a></em></p>
<p>I’m a lead economist specializing in public policy within the Office of the Chief Economist in the Economics and Statistics Administration, and I joined the Commerce Department in 1995. Currently, I lead a team of five economists who focus on areas that are critical to our nation’s competitiveness such as emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles.</p>
<p>My undergraduate degree is from the University of California at Davis where I did a double major in economics and English. In addition, I earned a Master’s degree in public policy from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. </p>
<p>During my twenty-plus years at Commerce I’ve had the pleasure of both learning from and collaborating with top-notch economists and policy makers. Public policy issues are frequently complex and challenging; and I feel lucky to work with talented people — from political appointees, career public servants to dedicated interns — all of whom are drawn to examining those policy challenges.</p>
<p>I grew up in many cities around the country. My father, who is Mexican-American, worked for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And based on his career path, our family moved every couple of years when I was a child. In fact, I noticed the only children who moved more frequently than my brothers and me were children of military parents. With that in mind, I believe the locations that contributed the most to who I am today are New Mexico (where I lived during my high school years) as well as California (where I was born and still have a lot of family).</p>
<p>I saw a great deal of the nation when I was growing up, usually from the back seat of a car traveling down Interstates 80 or 40. The United States is beautiful country that draws strength from both its diversity and its unity. Celebrations of diversity — like Hispanic Heritage Month — give us the opportunity to recognize the many cultures that are part of the melting pot that is the United States. </p>
<p>Ours is a nation of enormous potential. The best advice I would give to Hispanic/Latino youth — and all young people — is to make the most of educational opportunities. Education isn’t a spectator sport. Do the analysis. Write the code. Build the gadget. Design the space. Engage in the negotiation. Compose the music. The things that you learn hands-on and down-in-the-weeds are often the most valuable.</p>
Fri, 06 Oct 2017 10:55:09 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/10/spotlight-commerce-sabrina-montes-lead-economist-economics-and-statisticsCut the Red Tape: Eliminating Excessive Regulation To Create Jobs and Growth Listening Sessionhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/10/cut-red-tape-eliminating-excessive-regulation-create-jobs-and-growth-listening
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/facebook_commercegov_streamliningmanufacturing_20171002.jpg?itok=2CJazk9K" width="200" height="200" alt="Manufacturing Factory" /></span>
<p>On Monday, the second of October two thousand and seventeen from 2:00pm-3:00pm in the Department of Commerce Library</p>
<p>The Department of Commerce will hold a listening session entitled:</p>
<p><strong>Cut the Red Tape</strong><br /><em>Eliminating Excessive Regulation<br />
To Create Jobs and Growth</em></p>
<p>A summit hosted by Secretary Wilbur Ross</p>
<p>The event is open to the public, and there will be an opportunity for questions, comments, and public discussion regarding the Department’s regulatory reform agenda. Please contact <a href="mailto:sleach@doc.gov">sleach@doc.gov</a> with any questions.</p>
Mon, 02 Oct 2017 10:36:48 -0400solshefski@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/10/cut-red-tape-eliminating-excessive-regulation-create-jobs-and-growth-listeningCommerce Secretary Ross Kicks Off Hispanic Heritage Month, Stresses Need for Tax Reformhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/09/commerce-secretary-ross-kicks-hispanic-heritage-month-stresses-need-tax-reform
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/hispanicheritagemonth_20170914.jpg?itok=DGw9us5P" width="200" height="200" alt="U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross Addresses the Latino Coalition’s Capturing the Momentum Summit on September 14, 2017." title="U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross Addresses the Latino Coalition’s Capturing the Momentum Summit on September 14, 2017." /></span>
<p>Last week, U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross kicked off National Hispanic Heritage Month and stressed the commitment by the U.S. Commerce Department and the Trump Administration to the long-term economic growth of the Hispanic business community.</p>
<p>During his address at The Latino Coalition’s Capturing the Momentum Summit, he outlined the importance of the minority business community to the U.S. economy and that economic development and empowerment for all Americans is critical to the continued advancement of the economy and the creation of U.S. jobs.</p>
<p>In particular, Secretary Ross stressed the need to reduce the existing tax burden that hinder fair and equal economic opportunity for U.S. business owners and called on the Latino coalition and the Hispanic business community to support <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/taxreform" target="_blank">President Trump’s tax plan</a>.</p>
<p>“Economic development and empowerment for all Americans are critical to the continued advancement of the economy and the creation of more U.S. jobs,” said Secretary Ross. “President Trump’s tax plan will bring back our jobs and bring back our wealth resulting in a better life for all Americans.”</p>
Mon, 18 Sep 2017 12:47:28 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/09/commerce-secretary-ross-kicks-hispanic-heritage-month-stresses-need-tax-reformBe Prepared and Stay Safe During Hurricane Irmahttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/09/be-prepared-and-stay-safe-during-hurricane-irma
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/hurricanepreparedness.jpg?itok=y4mXOBpb" width="200" height="200" alt="Graphic on Hurricane Preparedness. Credit: National Weather Service Miami/South Florida." title="Graphic on Hurricane Preparedness. Credit: National Weather Service Miami/South Florida." /></span>
<p><a href="https://www.nnvl.noaa.gov/imageoftheday.php" target="_blank">Hurricane Irma</a> is a potentially catastrophic hurricane and will bring life-threatening wind, storm surge and rainfall to parts of the Caribbean—including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands—as well as the Florida Keys, portions of Southern Florida and the Florida Peninsula. Irma is expected to remain a powerful hurricane through the September 9—10 weekend.</p>
<p>Take preparation actions now, and be sure you know what to do before, during and after the hurricane: <a href="https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes" target="_blank">www.ready.gov/hurricanes</a> (en Español <a href="https://www.listo.gov/es/huracanes" target="_blank">www.listo.gov/es/huracanes</a>).</p>
<p>Please heed the advice of local emergency management officials and refer to your local weather forecast at <a href="http://www.weather.gov/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">www.weather.gov</a>. </p>
<p>Follow your local forecast office on Twitter for the latest area-specific updates: <a href="http://www.weather.gov/socialmedia" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">www.weather.gov/socialmedia</a></p>
<p>Get live updates from NOAA's National Hurricane Center: <a href="http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">www.nhc.noaa.gov/</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.fema.gov/mobile-app" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Download the FEMA App</a> for disaster resources, weather alerts and safety tips.</p>
Wed, 06 Sep 2017 12:08:40 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/09/be-prepared-and-stay-safe-during-hurricane-irmaHelping the American Worker Succeed in a Global Marketplacehttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/09/helping-american-worker-succeed-global-marketplace
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/diversity-inclusion_483x202_cropped.jpg?itok=IC1EN-LV" width="200" height="200" alt="Helping the American Worker Succeed in a Global Marketplace" title="Helping the American Worker Succeed in a Global Marketplace" /></span>
<p>As we celebrate Labor Day, the U.S. Department of Commerce is proud to express our appreciation for American workers and reiterate our commitment to helping Americans succeed in a global marketplace. We firmly believe that given a level playing field, American workers can help grow the economy and build a better future for all Americans. </p>
<p>Commerce’s <a href="http://trade.gov/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">International Trade Administration</a> (ITA) is the premier resource for Americans competing in the global marketplace. ITA strengthens the global competitiveness of U.S. industry, promotes trade and investment, analyzes trade trends and opportunities that help businesses make better decisions and ensures fair trade through the rigorous enforcement of U.S. trade laws and agreements.</p>
<p>ITA offers the expertise needed to connect U.S. businesses with trade opportunities that strengthen their bottom lines and grow jobs here at home. In 2016 alone, we enabled $59 billion in exports and facilitated $5.3 billion in foreign investment into the United States.</p>
<p>From January 20, 2017, through August 29, 2017, Commerce has initiated 58 antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations, a 27 percent increase from the previous year, and currently maintains 407 AD and CVD duty orders which provide relief to American companies and industries impacted by unfair trade.</p>
<p>Since President Trump has come into office, ITA has been working hard to fulfill the President’s mission to increase opportunities for American workers. This includes:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Fighting for American Manufacturing: </strong>ITA is a leading advocate and ombudsman for advancing the competitive position of U.S <a href="http://trade.gov/td/manufacturing/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">manufacturing industries</a> in the global market. We are ramping up efforts to combat unfair trade practices, intellectual property theft and unfair trade barriers affecting U.S. manufacturing exporters. We provide the <a href="http://trade.gov/mas/ian/tradestatistics/index.asp" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">data and tools</a> that industry and local government partners need to help companies increase exports, investment and jobs. We also support the negotiation of strong provisions in <a href="http://trade.gov/mas/ian/otpahome/index.asp" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">U.S. trade agreements</a> in key areas, including government procurement, customs and trade facilitation, standards and technical regulations, import licensing, investment, state-owned enterprise behavior, anti-corruption, labor, environment, dumping, subsidies and safeguards. ITA will use its expertise and enhanced data analysis programs to put forth recommendations that will make U.S. companies more competitive and will allow them to support more high-paying jobs here in the United States. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Empowering American Exporters: </strong>With offices in 108 locations across the U.S. and 78 markets worldwide, ITA is uniquely positioned to <a href="https://www.export.gov/welcome" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">help American companies</a> overcome the challenges of exporting and capitalize on the opportunities to sell American goods and services around the world. Our team works daily to address the market challenges that U.S. companies – especially small and medium-sized businesses – face when pursuing opportunities in the global marketplace. We provide companies with actionable market intelligence, including practical transactional know-how on the mechanics of exporting, guidance on how to manage and overcome barriers to trade and information on trade financing options. ITA also provides dedicated <a href="http://2016.export.gov/advocacy/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">advocacy support</a> to American companies competing for foreign civilian and defense government procurements. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Fighting Unfair Imports:</strong> ITA has a record of accomplishment in delivering timely and responsive relief to American manufacturers and workers from unfair trade and ensuring that U.S. national security interests affected by international trade and investment are vigorously evaluated and addressed. We administer and enforce the U.S. <a href="http://www.trade.gov/enforcement/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">antidumping (AD) and countervailing (CVD) duty laws</a> to defend U.S. manufacturers, ranchers, farmers and workers against injuriously dumped and unfairly subsidized imports. We are steadfast in our work at leveling the playing field through the conduct of these investigations and other proceedings. ITA also provides recommendations and analysis for the Trump Administration of U.S. trade safeguards that protect American industry and jobs. To further strengthen the Department’s abilities to enforce U.S. trade laws, ITA is building capacity to self-initiate trade remedy actions when appropriate.</li>
</ul>
<p>At home and abroad, ITA works every day to help American workers. It is our mission and our promise. Happy Labor Day to everyone!</p>
Fri, 01 Sep 2017 10:51:38 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/09/helping-american-worker-succeed-global-marketplacePersonal Income and Real Consumer Spending Increased in Julyhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/08/personal-income-and-real-consumer-spending-increased-july
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/beaincomeupzeropointfourpercent_20170831.png?itok=x4rMfJ9p" width="200" height="200" alt="Graphic: Personal Incomes Up 0.4% in July. " title="Graphic: Personal Incomes Up 0.4% in July. " /></span>
<p>Personal income increased 0.4% in July after showing no change in June. Wages and salaries, the largest component of personal income, increased 0.5 percent in July, the same increase as in June.</p>
<p>Current-dollar disposable personal income (DPI), after-tax income, increased 0.3 percent in July after remaining unchanged in June. Real DPI, income adjusted for taxes and inflation, increased 0.2 percent in July after showing no change in June.</p>
<p>Real consumer spending (PCE), spending adjusted for price changes, increased 0.2 percent in July, the same increase as in June. Spending on durable goods increased 0.8 percent in July,<br />
the same increase as in June.</p>
<p>For more information, <a href="https://bea.gov/newsreleases/national/pi/pinewsrelease.htm" style="font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-variant-caps:normal; orphans:2; widows:2; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px; word-spacing:0px; color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">read the full report</a>.</p>
Thu, 31 Aug 2017 10:53:54 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/08/personal-income-and-real-consumer-spending-increased-julyIncreased Exports and Consumer Spending Lead to Economic Growth in Second Quarter https://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/08/increased-exports-and-consumer-spending-lead-economic-growth-second-quarter
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/gdpgraphic_0.png?itok=ooJJOFI_" width="200" height="200" alt="BEA graphic on Real GDP: Percent change from preceding quarter." title="BEA graphic on Real GDP: Percent change from preceding quarter." /></span>
<p>Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased 3.0 percent in the second quarter of 2017, according to the “second” estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The growth rate was 0.4 percentage point more than the “advance” estimate released in July. In the first quarter, real GDP increased 1.2 percent.</p>
<p>The second‐quarter increase in real GDP reflected increases in both consumer spending on goods and services as well as increases in business investment, exports and federal government spending.</p>
<p>The increase in consumer spending was led by increases in housing and utilities; other services, notably in communication services; and other nondurable goods, primarily in prescription drugs. The increase in business investment reflected increases in all three components: equipment, intellectual property products, and structures.</p>
<p>For more information on today’s GDP release, see today’s <a href="https://blog.bea.gov/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">BEA blog</a> and <a href="https://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/national/gdp/gdpnewsrelease.htm" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">press release</a>.</p>
Thu, 31 Aug 2017 10:19:59 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/08/increased-exports-and-consumer-spending-lead-economic-growth-second-quarterHurricane Harvey: Stay Safe with These NOAA and FEMA Resourceshttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/08/hurricane-harvey-stay-safe-these-noaa-and-fema-resources
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/08.24.17_tsharvey2_goes16.jpg?itok=LFOzwQf-" width="200" height="200" alt="Hurricane Harvey" title="Hurricane Harvey" /></span>
<p>Hurricane Harvey brought catastrophic flooding to Texas and Louisiana this week. Please heed the advice of local emergency management officials and refer to your local weather forecast at <a href="http://www.weather.gov" target="_blank">www.weather.gov</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Safety tips and resources:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Check your local forecast for updates, and abide by instructions from local authorities to protect life and property</li>
<li>Take preparation actions now, and be sure you know what to do before, during, and after the hurricane: <a href="https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes" target="_blank">www.ready.gov/hurricanes</a> (en Español: <a href="https://www.listo.gov/es/huracanes" target="_blank">www.listo.gov/es/huracanes</a>)</li>
<li>Get real-time weather alerts through the FEMA app for Apple or Android devices: <a href="http://www.fema.gov/fema-app" target="_blank">www.fema.gov/fema-app</a></li>
<li>Follow your local forecast office on Twitter for the latest area-specific updates: <a href="http://www.weather.gov/socialmedia" target="_blank">www.weather.gov/socialmedia</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Learn more:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Live updates from NOAA's National Hurricane Center: <a href="http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/" target="_blank">www.nhc.noaa.gov/</a></li>
<li>Links and resources from FEMA: <a href="https://www.fema.gov/hurricane-harvey" target="_blank">www.fema.gov/hurricane-harvey</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/08/25/statement-hurricane-harvey" target="_blank">White House Statement on Hurricane Harvey</a></li>
<li><a href="https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-urges-gulf-coast-residents-to-heed-warnings-from-local-offi" target="_blank">Statement from Texas Governor Abbott with instructions on safety measures</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/content/multimedia#2017Harvey" target="_blank">Latest NOAA satellite imagery of Hurricane Harvey</a></li>
<li>If you have been impacted by Hurricane Harvey and are looking for more information, or to apply for assistance, please visit <a href="https://www.disasterassistance.gov/" target="_blank">www.DisasterAssistance.gov</a></li>
</ul>
Fri, 25 Aug 2017 15:51:24 -0400abowman@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/08/hurricane-harvey-stay-safe-these-noaa-and-fema-resourcesDream to Reality – Helping Inventors Patent New Technologieshttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/08/dream-reality-helping-inventors-patent-new-technologies
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/john_kirkpatrick_smaller_size.jpg?itok=9Vh0fj9c" width="200" height="200" alt="John Kirkpatrick, Associate Pro Bono Coordinator and Staff Attorney, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)." title="John Kirkpatrick, Associate Pro Bono Coordinator and Staff Attorney, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)." /></span>
<p>Small businesses and independent inventors both serve a vital role in our nation’s economy. And, helping those with limited resources is an important goal of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).</p>
<p>The USPTO’s <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/patents-getting-started/using-legal-services/pro-bono/patent-pro-bono-program" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">Patent Pro Bono Program</a> provides free legal assistance to financially under-resourced inventors and small businesses interested in securing patent protection for their inventions. Inventors then bring their inventions to market -- helping to grow the economy and turn their dreams into reality.</p>
<p>In every patent, there’s a story. Take for example Travis Kelley, from Backus, MN. Travis invented a <a href="http://pdfpiw.uspto.gov/.piw?Docid=08677636" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">simple but effective device</a> to take the guesswork out of home door installations. He couldn’t afford to hire an attorney and filed a provisional patent application on his own. After learning about USPTO’s pro bono program, he applied and received legal representation. His patent was issued in 2014.</p>
<p>Today, Travis and his wife Jennifer run a small business called JenTra Tools. Having sold thousands of units per year, JenTra is now moving into new markets to expand its customer base.</p>
<p>Then there is Deborah Campbell, from Grand Junction, CO, who developed a <a href="http://pdfpiw.uspto.gov/.piw?Docid=09345265" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">sushi-making machine</a> -- that can churn out sushi rolls in just two minutes -- after years of designing and prototyping. She received pro bono assistance from the law firm of Merchant and Gould through Mi Casa Women’s Business Center in Denver. Find out more about her journey to sushi success in the recent article from <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/newsletter/inventors-eye/two-minutes-sushi-success" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">Inventors Eye</a>.</p>
<p>Glenn Vogel, a custom metal worker and father of three from Evergreen, CO, also received assistance through Mi Casa. In 2015, thanks to a volunteer attorney and the pro bono program, Glenn patented a customizable <a href="http://pdfpiw.uspto.gov/.piw?Docid=09078516" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">wine storage rack</a> and saw his revenue increase by 20 percent.</p>
<p>Regional patent pro bono programs not only support local inventors, but are also a way for patent practitioners to give back to their community. To date, more than 1,000 practitioners have volunteered their availability, time and resources. However, in order to assist even more independent inventors, entrepreneurs and small businesses, <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/patents-getting-started/using-legal-services/pro-bono/attorneys" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">the USPTO welcomes even more practitioners to participate</a>.</p>
<p>Visit the <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/inventors-entrepreneurs-resources" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">USPTO website</a> to learn more about available resources for both inventors and entrepreneurs.</p>
Wed, 16 Aug 2017 14:41:45 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/08/dream-reality-helping-inventors-patent-new-technologiesHelping Americans Reach their Potential through Expanded Apprenticeshipshttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/08/helping-americans-reach-their-potential-through-expanded-apprenticeships
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/apprenticeshiptaskforce.jpg?itok=bBVt6t1P" width="200" height="200" alt="Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion Logo." title="Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion Logo." /></span>
<p><em>In connection with American Dream Week (July 31—August 4, 2017), the U.S. Department of Commerce is proud to highlight the important role Commerce agencies play in creating jobs and economic opportunities in American communities across the nation.</em></p>
<p><strong>“America’s capabilities are limitless and America’s workers are unmatched” – President Donald J. Trump</strong></p>
<p>President Trump is committed to increasing apprenticeship opportunities to enable more Americans to obtain high-paying jobs and the relevant skills needed to compete in today’s global economy. The following is a call to action for nominations to a task force charged with helping more Americans achieve their dreams and potential through expanded apprenticeship programs.</p>
<p>In June, President Trump issued an <a href="https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2017-06-20/pdf/2017-13012.pdf">Executive Order</a> to expand apprenticeships in America. As part of that order, he created a <a href="https://www.dol.gov/apprenticeship/task-force.htm">Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion</a> chaired by the Secretary of Labor with the Secretaries of Education and Commerce serving as vice-chairs. Through this task force, they will advise the President on strategies and proposals to increase and promote quality apprenticeship opportunities.</p>
<p>U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta <a href="https://www.dol.gov/apprenticeship/task-force.htm">is asking for nominations</a> for individuals to serve on the Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion. The deadline to submit nominations is August 8, 2017. Any interested person or organization may nominate one or more qualified individuals for membership on the task force.</p>
<p>The Task Force is charged identifying strategies and proposals to promote apprenticeships, especially in sectors where apprenticeship programs are insufficient. Upon completion of this assignment, the Task Force will submit a report to the President outlining their recommendations.</p>
<p>Expanding apprenticeships and reforming ineffective education and workforce development programs will help enable more Americans to obtain relevant skills and high-paying, family-sustaining jobs. Apprenticeships provide paid, relevant workplace experiences and opportunities to develop skills that employers value.</p>
<p>Find out how you can help out at <a href="https://www.dol.gov/apprenticeship/task-force.htm">https://www.dol.gov/apprenticeship/task-force.htm</a></p>
Wed, 02 Aug 2017 11:28:41 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/08/helping-americans-reach-their-potential-through-expanded-apprenticeshipsEDA’s Revolving Loan Program: Helping Entrepreneurs Achieve the American Dream of Business Ownershiphttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/08/edas-revolving-loan-program-helping-entrepreneurs-achieve-american-dream-business
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/beachycream.jpg?itok=A4cPWdlV" width="200" height="200" alt="One business whose American Dream is coming true with the help of the EDA RLF program is Beachy Cream Ice Cream in Santa Monica, California. " title="One business whose American Dream is coming true with the help of the EDA RLF program is Beachy Cream Ice Cream in Santa Monica, California. " /></span>
<p><em>In connection with American Dream Week (July 31—August 4, 2017), the U.S. Department of Commerce is proud to highlight the important role Commerce agencies play in creating jobs and economic opportunities in American communities across the nation. </em></p>
<p>Obtaining the capital needed to start or grow a business can often be an impediment to entrepreneurs looking to achieve the American Dream of business ownership.</p>
<p>The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has worked to bridge this capital gap through its Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program, which provides lending to small businesses that are unable to borrow from commercial banks.</p>
<p>The RLF program has made more than 37,500 loans to American small businesses and has leveraged more than $16 billion non-RLF dollars. RLF recipients report that the program has contributed to creating or retaining more than 662,000 jobs.</p>
<p>Today, there are 520 EDA-funded RLFs operating nationwide with a total of $267 million available for lending.</p>
<p>One business owner whose American Dream is coming true with the help of the EDA RLF program is Ann Ryan, Founder and CEO of Beachy Cream Ice Cream in Santa Monica, California.</p>
<p>Due to high demand, the organic ice cream brand -- which started off in farmer’s markets and a small store front -- needed to increase production capacity, but lacked the capital to do so.</p>
<p>In 2014, the company received a $95,000 RLF investment that helped them secure a 13,000 square foot manufacturing facility that allowed them to increase production and meet demand.</p>
<p>“The RLF loan we received provided valuable capital for Beachy Cream's move into our new leased space in Long Beach so that we could expand our ice cream production capabilities,” said Ryan.</p>
<p>In expanding their business, Beachy Cream is a modern example of the American Dream.</p>
<p>More information on the program, including where to find an RLF grantee by state and other RLF success stories can be found on EDA’s <a href="https://www.eda.gov/rlf/">Revolving Loan Fund</a> program page.</p>
Wed, 02 Aug 2017 10:39:44 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/08/edas-revolving-loan-program-helping-entrepreneurs-achieve-american-dream-businessInspiring Young Minds to be Innovators and Pursue their Dreamshttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/08/inspiring-young-minds-be-innovators-and-pursue-their-dreams
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/campinvention1500.jpg?itok=erwdK5SU" width="200" height="200" alt="Photo of Joe Matal at Camp Invention in Hyattsville, MD." title="Photo of Joe Matal at Camp Invention in Hyattsville, MD." /></span>
<p><em>In connection with American Dream Week (July 31—August 4, 2017), the U.S. Department of Commerce is proud to highlight the important role Commerce agencies play in creating jobs and economic opportunities in American communities across the nation. </em></p>
<p><em>Blog by <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/executive-biographies/joseph-matal">Joe Matal, Performing the Functions and Duties of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO</a></em></p>
<p>At <a href="http://campinvention.org/">Camp Invention</a>, almost two million students have explored their own innate creativity, inventiveness and entrepreneurial spirit in a week-long day camp program that’s been running annually since 1990. Currently held at more than 1,400 sites in 50 states for kindergarten through 6<sup>th</sup> grade, these students are learning how to think big, be innovators and pursue their dreams.</p>
<p>Camp Invention is a partnership between the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the National Inventors Hall of Fame. The program includes a robust STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) curriculum while also providing insights into the role of patents and trademarks in innovation. Children develop questions, collect data, draw conclusions and apply new knowledge while tackling hands-on challenges.</p>
<p>Recently, I had the chance to visit Camp Invention at Hyattsville Elementary in Maryland. I was impressed by how the students came up with new product ideas and built original prototypes using real tools and components found in everyday devices. But beyond that, they had also thought through how they were going to brand and market an item and how they would protect their innovation by applying for a patent and trademark. I was inspired by their enthusiasm and inventive thinking.</p>
<p>Camp Invention is unique because it provides an exciting environment with no wrong answers, a chance to brainstorm with peers and an opportunity to build confidence in the natural ability to dream and create. On a given day, students might learn about such things as terraforming exoplanets, building an air cannon, exploring circuits and electronics or presenting their new invention to mock investors. </p>
<p>Each year, one Camp Invention student is selected through the “Mighty Minds” contest for an all-expense paid trip to attend the National Inventors Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Washington, DC. This year, the winner was 9-year-old <a href="http://www.invent.org/inspire/mighty-minds-winner-2017/">Mya Sewell of Grayson,</a> GA, who has attended Camp Invention for several years. She says she wants to be a scientist or inventor because, “it gives me the freedom to experiment with things without anybody telling me what to do.” <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fi40CpLDyTk">Learn more</a> about her experience interacting with prominent inventors at next year’s induction ceremony on May 4, 2018.</p>
<p>In addition to Camp Invention, the USPTO also works with the National Inventors Hall of Fame on the <a href="http://collegiateinventors.org/">Collegiate Inventors Competition</a>, a program designed to allow undergraduate and graduate students to showcase their emerging ideas and inventions that will shape our future. The finalists are judged by a team of inductees from the National Inventors Hall of Fame and USPTO subject-matter experts, and then honored at the USPTO. Winners enjoy over $100,000 in cash prizes and an all-expense paid trip to Washington, DC.</p>
<p>Through the USPTO’s partnerships with youth programs, such as Camp Invention and Collegiate Inventors, we hope to inspire future innovators and encourage creativity and problem-solving skills to enable the next generation to achieve the American Dream.</p>
Tue, 01 Aug 2017 16:21:39 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/08/inspiring-young-minds-be-innovators-and-pursue-their-dreamsNOAA Corps – A Long History of Service to the Nationhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/07/noaa-corps-long-history-service-nation
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/noaacorps.jpg?itok=SXaMo9Y0" width="200" height="200" alt="Photo of NOAA Corps officers, one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. " title="Photo of NOAA Corps officers, one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. " /></span>
<p><em>In connection with American Heroes Week (July 24—28, 2017), the U.S. Department of Commerce is proud to highlight its own American heroes and the important role Commerce agencies play in serving and protecting American communities. </em></p>
<p>Did you know the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has a corps of commissioned officers, one of the seven uniformed services of the United States?</p>
<p>NOAA Corps officers play a vital role in the acquisition and analysis of environmental data to aid our nation in meeting the security, economic and environmental challenges of the 21st century. Collectively, they have been and continue to be true heroes to our nation.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.omao.noaa.gov/learn/noaa-commissioned-officer-corps">NOAA Corps officers</a> command ships that scan the seafloor for potential hazards to shipping, monitor oceanographic and atmospheric conditions and study ocean resources. They also pilot NOAA's highly specialized aircraft that collect environmental and geographic data necessary for weather and flood prediction, precision mapping and charting, disaster response and resource management.</p>
<p>On Monday, July 24, 2017, eighteen officer candidates were sworn into the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps training program as Basic Officer Training Class (BOTC) 130. The officer candidates of BOTC 130 are the first class to be sworn in since the <a href="https://www.omao.noaa.gov/learn/noaa-corps/about/noaa-corps-celebrating-century-service-1917-2017">100<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the creation of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps</a>. They now embark on <a href="https://www.omao.noaa.gov/learn/noaa-corps/join/basic-training">a challenging 19-week curriculum</a> that prepares them to support NOAA’s vital missions to protect life and property by understanding and predicting changes in the climate, weather, ocean and coastlines. NOAA Corps recruits train alongside Coast Guard officer candidates at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, before receiving their first assignment.</p>
<p>Both NOAA and the NOAA Corps have <a href="https://www.omao.noaa.gov/learn/noaa-corps/about/history">a long history of service to the Nation</a>. NOAA traces its history back to the formation of the Survey of the Coast in 1807. Faced with tough national security and economic challenges and a natural world governed by powerful and mysterious forces that often threatened life, property and commerce, President Thomas Jefferson created the Survey of the Coast in 1807 to support the nation’s defense, promote the well-being of its citizens and unlock nature’s secrets. The new agency’s mission was to chart the nation’s coastal waters to ensure that ships could move civilians, troops and materials safely.</p>
<p>During the next 150 years, the Survey of the Coast (later called the Coast &amp; Geodetic Survey) would fulfill its mission in war as well as in peacetime. With America’s entry into World War I, a commissioned service of the Coast &amp; Geodetic Survey (CG&amp;S) was formed on May 22, 1917, to ensure the rapid assimilation of C&amp;GS technical skills for defense purposes. During World War II, officers and civilians of the C&amp;GS produced nautical and aeronautical charts, provided critical geospatial information to artillery units and conducted reconnaissance surveys.</p>
<p>Today, the work of the C&amp;GS—and more—is conducted NOAA and the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps—one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The direct descendants of the C&amp;GS, NOAA and the NOAA Corps work every day on land, in the air and on the sea to keep the nation secure and productive by providing products and services that support maritime domain awareness; help ensure safe passage of commercial and military traffic on our nation’s waterways; warn mariners, aviators, and the public of severe weather; aid search and rescue efforts; and conserve and protect our natural resources. They are true American heroes. </p>
Fri, 28 Jul 2017 11:19:52 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/07/noaa-corps-long-history-service-nationFirstNet: Putting Lifesaving Technologies into the Hands of Heroeshttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/07/firstnet-putting-lifesaving-technologies-hands-heroes
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2017/firstnet_blog_photo_for_doc_amheroesweek_2017-07-26.jpg?itok=LK_VrOe9" width="200" height="200" alt="FirstNet is putting 21st century, lifesaving technology into the hands of American heroes – America’s first responders. " title="FirstNet is putting 21st century, lifesaving technology into the hands of American heroes – America’s first responders. " /></span>
<p><em>In connection with American Heroes Week (July 24—28, 2017), the U.S. Department of Commerce is proud to highlight its own American heroes and the important role Commerce agencies play in serving and protecting American communities. </em></p>
<p>Right now, an area the size of New York City is ablaze in western Montana. The Lodgepole Complex fire has grown to encompass more than 250,000 acres. Although it is the largest fire, it is only one of 19 currently burning across the state in what has been a particularly intense fire season.</p>
<p>Pushing hard through intense heat, danger and exhaustion are firefighters, police officers, paramedics and other first responders – brave women and men doing everything in their power to protect citizens, homes, livestock and land. These first responders dedicate their lives to protecting communities across our nation and are true America’s heroes. And the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), an independent agency within the Department of Commerce, is working to equip them with the lifesaving, 21<sup>st</sup>-century communication technology they need to do their jobs.</p>
<p><strong>Why FirstNet?</strong></p>
<p>Today, in emergencies and at large events, heavy public cell phone use can lead to wireless communications networks becoming overloaded and inaccessible. In those instances, public safety users are treated the same as any other commercial or enterprise user – meaning they can’t use their cell phones or wireless communication equipment when they need it the most. That’s where FirstNet comes in.</p>
<p>When Congress created FirstNet in 2012, it began fulfilling a recommendation of the 9/11 Commission to provide first responders with a secure, dedicated high-speed network that is available to first responders when and where they respond.</p>
<p><strong>A “fast lane” for public safety communications</strong></p>
<p>With FirstNet, public safety will get a dedicated “fast lane” that provides highly secure communications every day and for every emergency. FirstNet will deliver specialized features to public safety that are not available on wireless networks today including priority access, more network capacity, and a resilient and hardened connection. With FirstNet, first responders also will have access to devices connecting them to innovative, life-saving technologies.</p>
<p>For those fire fighters in Montana, and for first responders across the nation, FirstNet can provide vital technologies, tools and services during emergencies, such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>Applications that allow first responders to reliably share videos, text messages, photos and other information during incidents in near real-time;</li>
<li>Advanced capabilities like camera-equipped drones and robots that can deliver images of wildfires, floods or other events;</li>
<li>Improved location services to help with mapping capabilities during rescue and recovery operations;</li>
<li>Wearables that could relay biometric data of a patient to the hospital or alert when a first responder is in distress.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>A vital tool for our nation’s heroes</strong></p>
<p>As <strong>Commerce Secretary</strong> <strong>Wilbur Ross</strong> noted when he <a href="https://firstnet.gov/newsroom/blog/firstnet-names-att-partner-build-network-first-responders-nationwide">announced FirstNet’s selection of AT&amp;T as its network partner</a>: “FirstNet is a critical infrastructure project that will give our first responders the communications tools they need to keep America safe and secure.”</p>
<p>As the network deploys this year, it will provide the American heroes of the public safety community the powerful, dedicated communications network they need to do their jobs– now and in the future.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.firstnet.gov/">Learn more at FirstNet.gov</a></p>
Thu, 27 Jul 2017 12:45:22 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/07/firstnet-putting-lifesaving-technologies-hands-heroes